Performance through the nose

Looking for a new way to improve your athletic performance?

The secret may be right under your nose.

Of all your senses, only smell works directly with the brain. When you perceive an odor it is because the molecules of that odor activate specific receptors in the nasal epithelium and then in the olfactory bulb. These receptors send nerve impulses directly to the limbic center of the brain through a neurochemical code. The limbic system is where emotional responses are concentrated. Recent research indicates that humans can recognize and remember about 10,000 different smells.

Information from all the other senses, such as sight, hearing, or touch, is transferred through a series of nerve connections and processing filters that interpret the signals. This interpretation is determined by all kinds of environmental and experiential influences, causing a delay between stimulus and response.

With our sense of smell, the brain makes an immediate, unfiltered determination of “good smell” or “bad smell”, then works to interpret and add meaning to the smells that were experienced.

Numerous studies, conducted around the world, indicate that odors have an impressive and measurable effect on human behavior and mood. Research has validated that certain smells stimulate EEG patterns, while others slow down the frequency of alpha brain waves and induce a state of relaxation and even sleep. Several other studies have shown that particular odors increase pain tolerance, improve athletic performance, and improve alertness.

Not surprisingly, nearly a billion dollars a year is spent on all kinds of scented products designed to elevate mood, reduce anxiety, energize the mind, and enhance romance.

Scented breath and sports performance

It’s probably safe to say that most people prefer the smell of fresh pine to the smell of burnt rubber. That said, you’re likely in a better mood to be exposed to pine than rubber. One step beyond being in a good mood is having superior performance. Recent research has provided evidence that smelling certain smells before or during your workout can also improve your athletic performance.

In a preliminary study of 24 male and female cyclists ages 19 to 47, researchers found that participants who smelled a specially formulated fragrance experienced increased leg endurance and speed, as well as a lower level of perceived pain than during exposure to a recognizable food odor or a pleasant neutral odor.

All test subjects were in good health and had normal olfactory ability, as measured by a preliminary medical evaluation. Each subject completed a battery of pre-trial and post-trial cognitive, physical, and psychological assessments that included; speed, endurance, and pain tolerance measurements; evaluations of training frequency, personal goals, life satisfaction, etc .; and assessment of body image, feelings of self-esteem, confidence, etc.

Subjects participated in a rigorous 1-hour running simulation on stationary bikes, followed by a two-day rest period. During all phases of the blind test, each participant was given a specially designed finger ring that had been infused with one of the particular scents. Subjects were instructed to inhale the scent prior to the excursion and anytime they wanted during testing. All subjects repeated the physical exercises under each odor condition for a period of eight days.

Results of the investigation

The findings showed that the special formulation affected the participant’s performance the most when there was a physical or mental target to aim for. Higher cadence, longer duration of a sustained seated sprint, and longer duration of a standing climb all showed appreciable improvement.

Perceived power output was reported to be higher, as was a feeling of increased stamina. A modest increase in pain tolerance was also observed due to lactic acid accumulation.

The women reported that they felt more positive about their body image and were more willing to put forth maximum effort even under the surveillance of the test environment.

The study found that athletes were more willing to accept instructions to exceed their physical limits under the special odor condition. And both male and female participants reported feeling more satisfied with the results of the special scent training and happier overall afterward.

These findings suggest that the special aroma creates a physiological effect that stimulates the nervous and circulatory systems; a chemical effect that triggers the release of dopamine, endorphins, and other neurotransmitters; and a psychological effect that causes behavioral changes in mood, motivation, desire, attention, satisfaction, etc.

The researchers, working on behalf of Inhalex.com (a supplement company) kept the formulas for the special scent a secret, but mentioned that the main goal of the study, to identify a viable inhalable ergogenic, had been met and that further study. it is necessary to perfect the delivery mechanism.

Study Findings

According to other survey studies, inhalation of the proprietary scents was shown to produce physiological and psychological changes in participants. Measurable improvement in athletes’ performance, motivation, ease of breathing, energy, speed, alertness, reaction time, confidence, and strength was validated.

Runners in the 2006 Las Vegas marathon reported increased speed and endurance. Cyclists in a clinical study experienced increased leg speed and reduced pain. Skiers and snowboarders at Brian Head Ski Resort in Utah reported improved breathing. Cyclists who participated in the 2006 Triple By-Pass single-day cycling event in Colorado reported that they felt more motivated and willing to push their physical limits. Inhaling the aromas before or during athletic competitions improves an athlete’s mood and motivation and their performance afterward. The findings indicate a beneficial result from inhaling the aroma and that the supplement could serve as an important supplement to an athlete’s normal training regiment. The use of scents could also help an athlete maintain a positive mood during physical therapy.

Nose has it

For decades, cyclists in Europe have used various inhalants as energy aids, although they complain of the constant mess created by them when they were applied. The bottom line seems to be that inhaling a particular fragrance makes a measurable difference in athletic performance.

Interesting research has also been done on the use of other proprietary flavors. One that works as a relaxant to induce sleep, one that helps reduce food cravings, and one that stimulates romantic feelings.

Before long, we may all be taking what’s good for us right up our noses.

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